About Purdue University Global
The financial picture presents challenges for many students. Average net price hits $12,267 after aid, but median earnings one year after graduation reach just $36,596. Students typically graduate with $26,078 in debt, leading to monthly loan payments of $276. The loan repayment rate sits at only 25.60%, suggesting many graduates struggle to manage their debt burden. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.
Academic completion proves difficult in this format. The four-year graduation rate stands at just 30.36%, while the six-year rate reaches 47.60%. The retention rate of 25.00% reveals that many students don't continue after their first year. However, the employment rate of 90.5% shows that those who do graduate typically find work. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the online learning model's different approach to instruction.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 13.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 30.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.6%
- Retention Rate
- 25.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,596
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $101,792 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,579 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $81,997 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Doctoral | $76,460 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,792 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $73,446 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Certificate | $68,219 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $64,493 |
Campus Life
Classes run on flexible schedules rather than traditional semesters, letting you start programs multiple times per year. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means online class sizes stay manageable, though you'll connect with instructors through video calls and discussion boards rather than office hours. With 57.44% of students being women and nearly half receiving Pell Grants, the typical student is often a parent or professional returning to school later in life. Weekend study sessions happen around work schedules and family obligations. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused programs designed for people who need education that fits around their existing responsibilities. Your classmates might be logging in from Indiana farmhouses or California apartments, creating a diverse but dispersed learning community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Other
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–34°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 69.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.6%
- Women
- 57.4%
- White
- 53.0%
- Black
- 18.0%
- Hispanic
- 16.1%
- Asian
- 3.1%
- In-State Students
- 8.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.9%
Location
- Address
- West Lafayette, Indiana 47906
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,596
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,126
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,078
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Purdue University Global?
Purdue University Global maintains an open admission policy for most programs, making it accessible to working adults and non-traditional students. The university primarily serves online learners with 31,502 total students enrolled. This approach reflects its mission as a competency-based institution focused on career advancement rather than selective admissions.
How much does Purdue University Global cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,267 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at $10,110 and out-of-state at $14,421. Nearly 48% of students receive federal financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants. Graduates typically carry $26,078 in debt with monthly loan payments of $276.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Purdue University Global?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 25:1, reflecting the university's online delivery model and focus on scalable education. Classes emphasize practical skills and competency-based learning rather than traditional lecture formats. The university operates on a unique calendar system designed for working professionals who need flexible scheduling.
What are the graduation rates at Purdue University Global?
Only 30% of students graduate within four years, and 47% complete their degrees within six years. The retention rate is particularly low at 25%, typical of institutions serving working adults who often pause their education. Despite these challenges, 90.5% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $36,596 ten years after graduation.
Where do most Purdue University Global students come from?
Just 9% of students are Indiana residents, while 91% come from other states, reflecting the university's national online reach. The student body is 57% female and demographically diverse, with 53% White, 18% Black, and 16% Hispanic students. This distribution mirrors the working adult population the university primarily serves across the country.
Is Purdue University Global good for working adults?
The university specifically targets working professionals through flexible online programs and competency-based education that allows students to earn credit for prior experience. However, the 25% retention rate suggests many students struggle to balance work and studies. Graduates who complete programs see strong employment outcomes, with 90.5% finding jobs and earning competitive salaries in their fields.
